Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) is back on the injury report after initially being removed when it first came out. The second-year forward is still dealing with some lingering effects of the ankle sprain that he suffered a few games back. The fact that he popped up on the report later than normal as questionable isn't the best sign for his chances to play against the Charlotte Hornets. If he has to remain sidelined for a third consecutive game, Jeff Green would likely remain in the starting five while Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, and Jock Landale would all see some more minutes coming off of the bench. If Smith plays, however, Landale and Whitmore wouldn't be great starts in this contest.

Houston Rockets guard/forward Jae'Sean Tate (wrist) has been listed as questionable on Friday for their game against the Charlotte Hornets. Tate was forced to miss their last contest against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday while dealing with this left wrist strain, and it doesn't seem to be fully healed just yet. Regardless of injury status, Tate has been seeing his fewest minutes per contest of his career this year and that has made his fantasy value very limited. If he does play, he'll likely see around 15-17 minutes which wouldn't make him useful in most fantasy leagues. If he has to sit out another game, however, Jeff Green, Amen Thompson, and Cam Whitmore should all see some extra minutes.

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (leg) is listed as out for Friday's game versus the Charlotte Hornets. Head coach Ime Udoka said on Wednesday that Eason will begin contact drills next week, so his absence on Friday isn't surprising, as the Rockets continue to manage the 2022 first-rounder's left lower leg. With that said, don't expect Eason back in Houston's lineup on Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets. Cam Whitmore has averaged 11.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.6 triples, and 0.9 steals through his past dozen games.

Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) is not spotted on the team's injury report ahead of Friday's matchup with the Charlotte Hornets. Out for back-to-back games due to a sprained left ankle, Smith is cleared to return against the Hornets on Friday. The 2022 first-rounder is bringing in top-100 fantasy numbers in his second season with the Rockets, tallying 13.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.7 treys, and 0.8 blocks per game. Jeff Green will slide back to Houston's second unit to free up Smith's starting spot.

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka says guard Jalen Green (illness) is available to play on Wednesday versus the Portland Trail Blazers. There was optimism Green would be able to suit up after participating in Wednesday morning's shootaround despite dealing with a non-COVID illness, and he is ready to roll for game action. The 2021 No. 2 overall pick ranks outside the top 200 in category leagues but is at least supplying value around the top 100 in points formats on averages of 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.0 treys over 42 games in his third season for the Rockets. Green hopes this plum matchup against a 12-31 Blazers squad can spark a hot streak, but a 219.5-point implied total is the eight-game slate's second-lowest figure.